Tips For Wearing Compression Socks
Compression socks are one way to treat a number of painful conditions that normally develop in the feet and legs. Most of these problems are related to poor circulation, damaged veins and blood clots. The steady pressure that compression socks apply to the feet helps to force blood and other fluids from a resting state back into the circulatory system of the body. There are a few basic tips that will help to clarify how to wear and use compression socks in order to treat a medical problem.
Start In The Morning
It is important to start wearing compression socks in the morning before lowering the feet below the heart. Lowering the feet when getting out of bed or standing up can trigger whatever condition is causing the poor circulation. Gravity can immediately cause swelling, pain and other problems to develop shortly afterwards. Placing the compression socks on the feet before this occurs means that the pressure that is created will prevent the pooling of blood. Support socks should be removed before falling asleep at night, however, unless a doctor has explicitly stated otherwise.
Do Not Remove For Activities
Compression socks are not just intended for casual use or periods of rest. It is important to wear them during all activities. This is especially true for vigorous exercise, like sports, jogging or heavy work. The activity will help to increase circulation. The pressure that is placed on the feet from all directions will complement this circulatory increase and will help to reduce any potential symptoms even further.
Summer Does Not Make A Difference
Poor circulation that results from constricted or blocked veins often becomes worse when the temperatures start to rise in the summer. Some people stop wearing compression socks in the summer because of discomfort or because of a popular myth that states the pressure is not needed because of the heat. The reality is that the added heat will help some superficial conditions, but does very little to relieve pain and swelling from deep vein problems. The compression socks should be worn throughout the summer.
Replace A Loose Sock Immediately
One of the most important things to keep track of is how much pressure and elasticity is present in a sock. A feeling of looseness means that a sock is no longer working properly. Even a small reduction in the firmness can allow some conditions to start to return so that pain and swelling is not managed as effectively. It is important to replace a sock if there is any indication that it is no longer providing the level of pressure that is necessary.
Start In The Morning
It is important to start wearing compression socks in the morning before lowering the feet below the heart. Lowering the feet when getting out of bed or standing up can trigger whatever condition is causing the poor circulation. Gravity can immediately cause swelling, pain and other problems to develop shortly afterwards. Placing the compression socks on the feet before this occurs means that the pressure that is created will prevent the pooling of blood. Support socks should be removed before falling asleep at night, however, unless a doctor has explicitly stated otherwise.
Do Not Remove For Activities
Compression socks are not just intended for casual use or periods of rest. It is important to wear them during all activities. This is especially true for vigorous exercise, like sports, jogging or heavy work. The activity will help to increase circulation. The pressure that is placed on the feet from all directions will complement this circulatory increase and will help to reduce any potential symptoms even further.
Summer Does Not Make A Difference
Poor circulation that results from constricted or blocked veins often becomes worse when the temperatures start to rise in the summer. Some people stop wearing compression socks in the summer because of discomfort or because of a popular myth that states the pressure is not needed because of the heat. The reality is that the added heat will help some superficial conditions, but does very little to relieve pain and swelling from deep vein problems. The compression socks should be worn throughout the summer.
Replace A Loose Sock Immediately
One of the most important things to keep track of is how much pressure and elasticity is present in a sock. A feeling of looseness means that a sock is no longer working properly. Even a small reduction in the firmness can allow some conditions to start to return so that pain and swelling is not managed as effectively. It is important to replace a sock if there is any indication that it is no longer providing the level of pressure that is necessary.
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